The USVI Settles It's CICO Suit With The Epstein Estate

The U.S. Virgin Islands formally ended its civil racketeering (CICO) lawsuit against Jeffrey Epstein’s estate in late 2022 after reaching a $105 million settlement, marking the close of one of the most aggressive legal efforts to hold his operation accountable. The lawsuit had accused Epstein’s estate of operating a criminal enterprise under the federal RICO framework—alleging that his private island, Little St. James, was used as a hub for sex trafficking, coercion, and the movement of victims across international lines. The territory’s Attorney General’s Office argued that Epstein’s vast web of shell companies and real estate holdings were tools to facilitate and conceal illegal activity, effectively turning the U.S. Virgin Islands into the epicenter of his trafficking operation. By ending the case, the territory secured both financial restitution and the right to pursue claims against co-conspirators and associated entities.

While the settlement concluded the direct case against the Epstein estate, it left open the possibility of continued investigations into those who helped enable his crimes within the islands’ jurisdiction. The deal required the estate to sell Epstein’s island properties and distribute funds to survivors, with part of the proceeds going to local anti-trafficking initiatives. In public statements, the U.S. Virgin Islands government characterized the resolution as a “victory for justice,” though critics noted that it avoided full discovery and depositions that might have exposed more about Epstein’s powerful network. The case’s conclusion symbolized a pragmatic end to litigation—but also reinforced a lingering frustration: even in death, Epstein managed to settle before the full truth ever reached open court.


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